This Week’s Theme: “Loving the Right Way”

Word for the Week is Love: A caring commitment in which affection and delight are shown to others, grounded in God. In his words and actions, and supremely in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, God demonstrates the nature of love and defines the direction in which human love in all its forms should develop.

Sermon Focus: Love should be without favoritism within the family.

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:22 - “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

Genesis 25:24–28 NKJV

So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Introduction: There were approximately 28 men who accepted their call to the preaching ministry under the leadership of the late great HD Carmichael. He referred to us as his sons in the preaching ministry. Many times he would call us all by the same name. That name was Boy. I still hear him, "Boy, if you just do as I tell you.” Boy, your head is hard.” Boy, I would have that work done by now if that was me.” He even told me one time, “That girl is married. You can stop looking at her now.”

For those who remember Dr. James Adams, he was considered one of H.D.’s sons. Dr. Adams pastored two churches, St. Stephens and Hammond Grove. He was the moderator of the Friendship District. He was one of the head delegates for the National Baptist Congress. However, as well respected as he was, Dr. Adams had the same name as all of us. H.D. called him boy too. The reason why I know this is because I heard him call him boy with my ears. Then Dr. Adams responded just like all the rest of us. Whenever he called us Boy, we would always answer by saying. “Sir, yes Sir, ok pastor, yes sir Daddy.

I remember when we used to have night service. Night service was when all of the associate ministers would get to preach. H.D. had a schedule that we were all on. For instance, one Sunday night Rev. Jefferson would preach. The following Sunday Rev. Moore would preach. Rev. Leavy perhaps would be on for the Sunday after that. When we do a good job, he would say. “Great message.” On the other hand, when we didn’t do a good, he would say, “Boy you ain’t studied nothing.!”

I am telling you this morning that he treated us all the same. He didn’t give any of us any special treatment. He didn’t treat one better than the other. He said, “I am not going to help one and then slight the other.” This is exactly what we should do with our sons and daughters. This is what we should do on the job with our co-workers. We should do it in the community with our neighbors. Then we ought to do it in the church with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“Ignore Inequity!”

In Genesis 25:24-28 we find that Isaac, the son of Abraham, had a wife named Rebekah. She had given birth to twin boys. However, they were not identical twins. They had some physical differences. The firstborn was named Esau. In Hebrew, the name Esau means rough, hairy, and red. This explains why he was given this name. It was because of his physical appearance at birth. Look at Genesis 25:25 says

Genesis 25:25 NKJV

And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau.

he was born "red, all over like a hairy cloak". The second son born was named Jacob. However, Scripture does not describe Jacob as being neither red nor hairy.

In addition, they had different personalities. For instance, they had their other flaws. Jacob's name would fit him perfectly. His name meant “heel-catcher”. This referred to the way the second-born was holding on to the heel of his brother. Note that the name “heel-catcher” also meant something else in that day. The name meant “trickster,” “con-man,” “scoundrel,” or “rascal.” His name describes him to a tee. He was just like some family members we know. Some of us have family members who are always scheming. Every time you turn around they are trying to pull a fast one over on you. Some of us have some Esau’s in our family. We have family members who act on impulse. They will dive head-first into the biggest mess. They don’t think before they move. Furthermore, they would have different tastes.

Verse 27 of the text says

Genesis 25:27 KJV 1900

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

, “So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a [c]mild man, dwelling in tents. Esau was rugged and wild. He was a man’s man. He was every bit of a man. Whereas Jacob was a mama’s boy. These differences should not have become a problem. However, the differences influenced the parents to choose favorites.

Now I want you to know that playing favorites will certainly bring about resentment. It causes strife and division. It will result in distrust. There will not be a whole lot of sibling rivalries when we don't play favorites. This is why many family members are mad at each other now. They don't even get together unless it is at a funeral. Then they cut up in clown at the repast because of what happened in the past. Thus, favoritism brings about negative results. This lets us know that Favoritism goes against God's character. This is because it brings about disruption. The God that we serve is a God of order and not a God of confusion. Therefore, the actions that result from favoritism are not of God. As a result, the actions are not pleasing to God.

For example,

I. Favoritism can cause you to be SNEAKY.

Look at the first portion of verse Genesis 27:5.

Genesis 27:5 NKJV

Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it.

It says, “Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. In other words, Rebekah may have been guilty of eavesdropping. Now one could argue that Rebekah casually overheard this important dialogue. However, I have a sneaky idea that Rebekah was being sneaky. I say this because instead of turning a deaf ear, she listened to the whole conversation. It appears that somebody was being nosey. Somebody was being a busybody. Don’t you know that eavesdropping is an invasion of someone’s privacy? In addition, you might hear something that was not meant for you to hear. Then just think about how that person you were eavesdropping on might feel. That person will feel violated.

He might feel humiliated. This explains why the Apostle Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12

2 Thessalonians 3:11–12 KJV 1900

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

It says, “11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and [c]exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. In other words, Paul commanded the guilty parties to work and stop being idle. He told them to get out of the business of others. Stop sticking your nose in places where it does not belong (in quietness) That’s the reason why some folk get their noses cut off. I heard that it was curiosity that killed the cat. Therefore, if it's an A and B conversation, you need to C your way out.

Second,

II. Favoritism will cause you to be STUBBORN.

In other words, to kick against what God has already declared He is going to do for someone else. Let’s examine the last portion of verse 5 through verse 7.

Genesis 27:5–7 KJV 1900

And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the Lord before my death.

It says, “And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. 6 So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, 7 ‘Bring me game and make [b]savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before my death. Rebekah told Jacob I overheard that your father is planning to bless your brother.

Now back in Genesis 25, let me summarize verses 12 through 34

God had made a promise before Jacob and Esau were born that the older was going to serve the younger. In other words, it was promised that Jacob was going to be the one through whom the covenant line of promise was extended and passed. It was this particular blessing that Isaac had planned to give Esau, which would include future rule over his brother. Now according to tradition, it would be the other way around. In other words, normally, the youngest would serve the oldest. However, understand that God’s sovereignty always will trump tradition.

Now understand that Isaac had to have known about the promise that God had concerning the two sons. The Lord would not have Isaac in the dark regarding information of that magnitude. I say it all the time. If it is something that you need to know, God is going to let you know. In His own time and in His way, God will open your eyes that you might see.

However, despite knowing God’s will, Isaac deliberately fought against the sovereignty of God. He was determined with all his might to give the blessing to his favorite son, Esau, despite what God had said.

I have a sneaky feeling this morning that this describes some of us. We can know what the Lord has said, but we choose to ignore it. We can know what God wants us to do. It is not a secret or some enigma. The answer is staring us right in the face, but we still can be stiff-necked. We can be just like ole Jonah. God told him to go to Nineveh. But Jonah rose and went to Tarshish. He deliberately went in the opposite direction that God told him to go. Look where it got him. He was wallowed up by a fish. Disobedience got him in trouble. That’s why many of us are in hot water today. It is because our heads are hard. The old folk used to say that a hard head makes a soft donkey. Brothers and sisters we should not have to learn the hard way that God’s way is the best. It is the only way.

Therefore, instead of becoming stiff-necked, we should learn how to be submissive. When we know what thus says the Lord, we wrought adhere to it. I believe James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” If you know the medicine will help you get well, don’t sit in the medicine cabinet. Take it.

Third,

III. Favoritism will cause you to act SHADY.

Let’s look at verses 8-10.

Genesis 27:8–10 NKJV

Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that he may bless you before his death.”

Here Rebekah says, “8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. 9 Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. 10 Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that he may bless you before his death.” Instead of trusting God to fulfill what He had promised in Genesis 25:23, Rebekah became manipulative. She put Jacob up to do the dirty work. Some of us today will put others up to the dirty work. David Guzik quoted, “She schemed to accomplish what she thought was God’s plan — and, likely, also her preference.” However, keep in mind that God doesn’t need our help to fulfill his plans.

I believe Isaiah 46:10

Isaiah 46:10 (NKJV)

Declaring the end from the beginning,

And from ancient times things that are not yet done,

Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,

And I will do all My pleasure,’

says, ”Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.” In other words, God has the power, wisdom, and authority to accomplish everything He intends to happen. Again this verse says, “And I”, not we “Will do all My”, not our pleasure.“ Many times when we call ourselves helping God doesn't make things better. But it will certainly make matters worse when we put our two cents in. Indeed, God sometimes will use us to fulfill his plans. However, we have to remember that we are players on his team. And God wants us to play fair. he does not want us out there on the field for the court cheating. he does not want us out there committing penalties. don't you know that Committing penalties hurts the whole team? Many games are lost because somebody committed too many fouls. Somebody committed too many holding and pass interference violations. and it cost the entire team the game.

That’s why sometimes it is best that we become spectators. Sometimes It is best that we don’t get in the game. We need to just stand on the sidelines and watch God play. Watch God go to work on the situation. Sometimes we need to follow the instructions that Moses gave to the Israelites when they were trapped at the Red Sea. Sometimes we simply need to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Fourth,

IV. Favoritism will cause you to be a SCAMMER.

Let’s look at verses 11-13.

Genesis 27:11–13 NKJV

And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.” But his mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.”

“Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man while I have smooth skin. 12 What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing.” 13 His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.”Notice that Jacob didn’t say no mama. He didn’t say what we are doing is underhanded. However, we see why his name fits him so well. Remember Jacob meant trickster or scoundrel. Instead of rejecting the plan, he was happy to go along with this plan. All he was worried about was whether or not they could pull it off. He was not concerned whether what they were doing was right or wrong. All Jacob was concerned with was getting over.

What we need to realize is that though someone else put together a deceptive plan, doesn’t mean that we have to carry it out. We also need to remember James 4:17. “ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” He knew he was wrong. Just like we know when we are wrong. Even the worst heathen knows when he is wrong.

What I am getting at is God’s people should strive to stand for what’s right. On the other hand, we should not fall for the Okie Doke. We don’t have to yield to temptation. I believe 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to [a]bear it. In other words, you can slip out the back door. Somebody ought to Slip out the back Jack. Make a new plan Stan. God has supplied the key Lee. So get yourself free.

All that I am saying is that favoritism is something that we should avoid. However, As believers, we are called to show the impartial love of God within the family. We should do the same to all people. Showing kindness, fairness, and respect to everyone, regardless of race, background, or status, is a powerful witness of God’s character. Others will see that we are a part of God’s family. I believe Romans 2:11 says, “ For there is no respect of persons with God.” What He does for one. He will do the same for the other. I believe Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus".

Let me end by telling you all a story that Mr. Herbert Snipes told me. He told me about the time that he was talking to a white lady. They got into a discussion about heaven. Then the white lady told him, “When I get to heaven, I’m going over to the colored section because I wanna hear some good singing.”

Now she was right when she said that it is going to be some good singing up yonder. I don’t about you. But I would like to join the heavenly choir. However, understand that some things will not go on up there. Of course, there will not be any crying. There will not be any sickness. There will not be any heartache, no pain whatsoever. Somebody said all of my troubles are going to be over. Sorrow will be gone. There will not be any goodbyes, only howdy, howdy. There will be no sun. There will be no nighttime. Time altogether will cease to exist. Then the Sensational Nightingales said, “There will be no separation, talking about the races. There will be no discrimination when I get to the meeting around the throne when I move upstairs. Race will be the last thing on my mind. When I see Jesus. I will not see any color. But I will see the Savior, the Rock of Ages, the Prince of Peace, etc…. I will be too busy praising Him. I won't be focused on anything else.

Speaking of which, let’s give Him some praise right now. We can praise Him because He looks beyond skin color. He looks beyond the outer appearance and focuses on the heart.

Now the Bible is written for our learning. It teaches what to do and what not to do. Now when it comes to the subject of favoritism, in our text this morning we will see some examples of what we should not do. If we are going to avoid favoritism, then there are some actions that we need to avoid.

And we said it was a perfect picture of man's ineptitude and weakness juxtaposed against God's sovereignty. In Isaac's case, he had clearly planned to give the greater blessing to Esau, including future rule over his brother.

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compared to his twinIt wasn’t a compliment.

The problem started with the parents. Children who perceive favoritism from their parents may experience Behavioral issues. In other words, children misbehave when their parents misbehave. Look at verse 5. Rebekah was eavesdropping. In the Bible, Isaac intended to give Esau a blessing that would make him the firstborn son, inheriting his father's status, property, and blessing. The blessing would include wealth and rule over his brothers. Rebekah's prophecy: Before the boys were born, Rebekah received a prophecy from the Lord that the older son would serve the younger. It can cause you disregard the will of God. (Verses 6&7)

Isaac's knowledge: Isaac was aware of the prophecy and the deal between his sons.

Isaac's plan: Isaac's plan was to ignore the prophecy and bless Esau instead of Jacob, even though he knew he was going against God's will.

It causes deception (Verses 8-10).

It causes you to manipulate others. (Verses 11-13)

James 2:9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Romans 2:11 ESV / 240 helpful votes

For God shows no partiality.

Acts 10:34 ESV / 202 helpful votes

So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,

James 2:1 ESV / 164 helpful votes

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

James 2:1-26 ESV / 161 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

Jacob’s hesitation points to a deeper issue of partial morality—he feared the penalty of deception but not the sin of deception itself. Often, we too are more concerned about getting caught than about the sin itself.